What sets this Canadian destination apart.
When you hit the flashing 50 kilometre/hour speed limit sign just before the Sun Peaks village, prepare yourself to enter into a different world. A hidden gem in the interior of British Columbia, Canada, Sun Peaks is Canada’s second largest ski area with 4,270 acres of ski terrain. Deep steeps, long cruisers, incredible tree skiing and an enormous terrain park offer a diverse alpine experience. The terrain is spread across three mountains that surround the ski-through village, which is not only convenient, but also features architecture straight out of a fairy tale—the perfect backdrop for your Instagram feed. Thirteen lifts, including 6 quad chairlifts, will get you where you want to go. Whether you’re looking for corduroy groomers, champagne powder, challenging moguls or a 10-acre top-tobottom terrain park, look no further than Sun Peaks. And, while you’re there, why not throw in an in-bound Gil’s hike just after lunch? Your legs will forgive you later. Here is what sets this destination apart:
The terrain – there’s something for everyone. With 137 alpine trails, including 17 gladed areas, there is an ample amount of ski terrain to explore in Sun Peaks. It has everything from a welcoming learning zone, to smoothly groomed trails, to steep sections with powder stashes. If tree-skiing is your thing, the evergreens offer a fun playground to test your turns. One of the things that sets Sun Peaks apart is that they have a beginner run from the top of each chairlift, so parties of varying ability can still ski together. The village – park your car and stay awhile. Three mountains make up Sun Peaks—Tod, Sundance and Mt. Morrissey—which surround the Sun Peaks village. Their Europeanstyle, ski-through village will awe even the savviest of travellers and was designed with convenience in mind. Visitors often park their cars for the duration of their stay and ski, or walk, the village. If your party is staying further from the village core, the complimentary in-resort shuttle operates daytime and evenings. Did your après spill into the early morning hours? The local taxi service is equipped to move ski gear 24 hours a day. The snow – like a glass of bubbly. Sun Peaks is located in the interior of British Columbia, just a 45-minute flight from Vancouver and a short ground transfer. The interior is famous for their light, dry powder that stays fluffy long after a snowfall. It is what people call “easy-to-ski”. While knowing how to ski is essential, this light stuff makes turning a breeze and a lot of fun too! Leave the crowds behind – really. The ample amount of skiable terrain means that Sun Peaks has uncrowded slopes and a relaxed atmosphere overall. It’s not unusual to get a trail or two all to yourself on any given day. Their latest investment was the Orient chairlift in the East village, which opened just before Christmas this season, and an increase in capacity on Sundance chairlift. Non-ski activities – spend time off the slopes. There is plenty to do in Sun Peaks other than ski. It’s home to some pretty amazing and authentically Canadian experiences. Feel the breeze on your face as you’re pulled behind a dogsled team, or spend an evening snowshoeing under the stars. Guided ice fishing is also on the list of activities on offer, so it is easy to give your legs a break and enjoy a day spent off the slopes. A great line-up of events. Sun Peaks is home to countless events that keep the village lively. From regular ski races and live music to events that span over several days like their popular wine festivals. This April, Snowbombing Canada—an annual music festival—will return for three days. Snowbombing Canada has brought artists such as Ludacris and Odesza, and attracts festivalgoers from around the globe to their multi-venue event. On top of all that, this destination is adored for its overall atmosphere. The locals are unwaveringly friendly and maintain a relaxed and accepting vibe. As the destination continues to grow, the feeling of community seems to get stronger. Sun Peaks boasts the world’s only ski-in, ski-out elementary school (yes, the students take the lift to school) and the community is filled with long-time business owners. It truly is a Canadian paradise.